Memory MetalWhen a piece of metal wire spelling the letters ICE is pulled apart, it deforms. When the wire is placed in hot water, it "remembers" its original shape, once again forming the letters ICE. (The memory metal used in this demonstration was provided by the Institute for Chemical Eduction.) A simulation of the processes at the atomic level is shown.

Metals |

Physical Properties |

Solid State Chemistry

Hardness of Solid Substances - GrindingA number of metals and nonmetals are ground with a mortar and pestle. The nonmetals shown here are all soft (due to weak intermolecular forces), but the metals vary in hardness.